Laboratory module system

ABSTRACT

A pair of rectangular sub-frames are joined together in spaced relationship forming a free standing central core module. The vertical members of each subframe include latch mechanisms extending along their length to support components in cantilevered fashion. The lower portion of the core is enclosed by panels which enclose electrical and fluid accessories leading to outlets in the panels. At least a portion of the front and rear panels are removable to permit free access to the interior of the lower portion. The entire system is quickly subject to dismantling and one core module can be quickly connected to another in tandem forming a multiple system.

Propst et a1.

1 LABORATORY MODULE SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Robert L. Propst, Ann Arbor;James O. Kelley, Spring Lake, both of Mich.

[73] Assignee: Herman Miller, llnc., Zeeland, Mich.

[22] Filed: Aug. 5, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 494,455

[52] U.S. Cl 312/223; 312/107 [51] Int. Cl. A4713 77/00 [58] Field ofSearch 312/107, 198, 196, 257 SK,

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS] 728,150 5/1903 Wolf3121107 1,435,015 11/1922 Lidberg 312/209 2,576,409 ll/l95l Michaelis eta1 312/107 2,987,356 6/1961 Slmpson, .lr. 312/198 3,079,207 2/1963Deaton 312/198 3,338,647 8/1967 Schreyer..... 312/198 3,464,372 9/1969Fiterman et 312/198 3,517,467 6/1970 Propst et a1 52/36 1 Nov. 18, 19753,606,506 9/1971 Ungaro 312/107 3,644,008 2/1972 Overby 312/1073,712,698 1/1973 Propst et a1 312/350 Primary Examiner-Paul R. GilliamAssistant E.\-am1'ner-Victor N. Sakran Attorney, Agent, or FirmPrice,Heneveld, l-luizenga & Cooper [57] ABSTRACT A pair of rectangularsub-frames are joined together in spaced relationship forming a freestanding central core module. The vertical members of each subframeinclude latch mechanisms extending along their length to supportcomponents in cantilevered fashion. The

lower portion of the core is enclosed by panels which enclose electricaland fluid accessories leading to outlets in the panels. At least aportion of the front and rear panels are removable to permit free accessto the interior of the lower portion. The entire system -is quicklysubject to dismantling and one core module can be quickly connected toanother. in tandem forming a multiple system.

15 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures I am Sheet 1 0f 4 US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 3 of 4 US. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 4of 4 62 2412 II- I in" i Z? 1 MI llml I 1 LABoRAToRY MODULE SYSTEMBACKGROUND or THE INVENTION The assignee of the subject applicationthrough extensive research and cost has developed two commerciallywell-known systems of furniture components with extreme flexibility andutility. One system relates primarily to vertical panel dividers andspace divider hung furniture components known commercially as ActionOffice. The other system is an integrated coherent system of fixturesand portable elements providing a new concept in safety, satisfactionand proficiency for health care facilities known commercially asCo/Struc. Particular examples of various aspects of the two systemsreferred to above are disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,752,547; 3,734,526;3,716,282; 3,712,698; 3,712,697; 3,674,230; 3,572,263; 3,550,908;3,550,892; 3,542,220; 3,517,467; 3,496,889; 3,449,877; 3,430,997;3,418,765; 3,302,799 and Re. 27,215 all of which are commonly assignedwith the subject application.

The present invention relates to a novel and unique blending of thesetwo systems to provide a laboratory module system which reflects theversatility and flexibility inherent in both systems. Heretofore,laboratory systems of fixtures have not had sufficient flexibility tomeet changing requirements. Any such system requires fluid andelectrical accessory outlets in addition to other fixture components.Generally adequate systems in this regard were planned and installed,but these systems were permanent and hence became prematurely obsoletedue to changing needs. The cost of dismantling prior art installationssimply was prohibited with respect to the type of flexibility desired.With todays space priorities and cost of building, flexibility andutility become more and more important. Concurrent with utility is theoverall cost itself. Present installations are almost all customized tofit individual situations and needs. This approach on a job-by-job basisis expensive.

Yet another consideration is the overall aesthetic appearance of thesystem. This is more and more significant due to continued pressure oneconomical use of building space. Heretofore, there has not been acompletely integrated system of laboratory fixtures which not only haveconsiderable flexibility but incorporate an extremely aestheticappearance and continuity. Thus, there is a need in this art for thetype of system described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a laboratorysystem comprises a free standing central frame core of at least tworectangular sub-frames joined together in spaced relationship. Thesub-frames are formed of top, bottom and side tubular members, one ormore of the upstanding members having latch means extending generallythe length thereof for receipt and support of one or more laboratorycomponents. The central frame has an enclosed lower portion and uppergenerally exposed portion. Electrical and fluid accessories are enclosedin the lower portion with appropriate outlets positioned in enclosingpanels. At least a portion of the enclosing panels are removable topermit quick and easy access to the core interior of the lower portion.

In narrower aspects of the invention, additional support means areprovided in cooperation with the latch means to permit cantileveredsupport of laboratory components from either sub-frame regardless of thedirection of lateral extension of the component.

The type of laboratory components envisioned includes various shelvings,cabinets, drawers and table tops or the like.

The entire system facilitates flexibility. The central core framemodules are connectable end-to-end and can extend from a wall as adivider or be entirely free standing within a defined area. The modularcore concept of the central frame provides an aesthetic appearing shieldfor the various electrical and fluid accessories which terminate anoutlets affixed appropriately and aesthetically to the enclosure portionof the lower portion of the frame. At the same time, within the conceptof the invention, the entire facility can be quickly and easilydismantled and set up in various arbitrary design arrangements. Thus,even within a limited space, if the design criteria changes fromtime-to-time, the entire system leads itself to the flexibility desiredthereby giving the component investment complete flexibility avoidingthe prior disadvantage which rendered the system prematurely obsoletedue to the permanency thereof.

Additionally, each system need not be custom made but rather can bedesigned from essentially standardized modular frame and frame elements.The components connected to the frame can also be generallystandardized.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a freestanding multiple laboratory module in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation view of one. of the sub-framesin accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the sub-frame illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the upper portion of thesub-frame illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fragmentary portionillustrated in FIG. 4 taken along line FIG. 6 is a fragmentarycross-sectional view taken along line VIVI of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the core framein accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a broken, fragmentary, front-elevational view showing a pairof sub-frame modules prior to their being connected in abutment with oneanother;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of the core modules in the positionshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of hanger bracket and clip;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a load supporting rail exploded awayfrom the vertical supports of the core module;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a I drawer supportingstructure suspended by the rail illus- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERREDEMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates.a laboratory module system 10 comprised of three modules l2, l4 and 16joined together end-to- 3 end. Each of the modules 12, I4 and 16 includea central core frame 20. For clarity, the central core frame of module12 is designated as a, the core of module 14 is designated 20/) and thatof module 16 is designated 20c. Each module 20a, 20b and 200 is freestanding and interconnected to each other by means which will bedescribed hereinafter. A pair of end panels 22 and 24 are 'attached toeach end of system 10, namely the ends of core frames 20a and 20c. Whileeach of the core frame assemblies 20a, 20b and 200 are free standing,additional support is provided by end panels 22 and 24 which extendlaterally from the frames.

Referring specifically now to central core frame 20a (FIG. 1), it iscomprised of a pair of spaced rectangular sub-frame assemblies 26a and28a, preferably comprised of individual tubular members. Sub-frame 26a 1(FIG. 2) is comprised of top and bottom members 30a and 32a and verticalside members 34a and 36a. They are welded or otherwise interconnected toeach other forming a solid rectangular sub-frame. The sub-frame 28a(FIG. II) is likewise comprised of a top member 38a and a pair ofvertical side members 40a and 42a. The bottom horizontal member 43acorresponding to member 32a in FIG. 2 is not shown in FIG. I but isillustrated in FIG. 7.

Sub-frame assemblies 26a and 28:: are interconnected by lateral crossmembers at each of the corners of the sub-frames. The upper crosssupport members 44 and 46 are illustrated in FIG. 1 while one of thelower cross members 48 is illustrated in FIG. 7. With reference to FIG.12, a central cross support 50 can also be utilized. Having describedthe essential construction of frame 20a, it will be appreciated thatframes 20b and 200 are constructed in similar fashion. Like referencenumerals are utilized in the drawings for corresponding elementsutilizing the appropriate suffix b or c.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 25 and 8l0, each of the verticaltubular members 34, 36, 40 and 42 have an exterior of outwardly facingsurface 52 (FIG. 5). Referring to one-pair of adjacent vertical members36a and 34b, the outer surfaces 52 have a channel-like member a and 60brespectively, affixed thereto by conventional means such as screws 62 orthe like (FIG. 3). Each of the channel-like members 60a and 60b has abase 64 and upstanding flanges 66 (FIG. 9) to form a channular recessalong the entire vertical length of each vertical member.

An interlock and latch. assembly indicated generally by the referencenumeral 70 comprises an upper forward wedge block 72 and a lower forwardwedge block 74 (FIG. 8) afiixed to the outer side 52 (FIG. 5) of eachvertical member such as member 36a. A backing plate 76 (FIG. 5) isutilized for the set screws 78 which secure the wedge blocks to thevertical members. The wedge blocks are affixed to the sides of eachvertical member within the channular recesses 65 as indicated in thefigures. Each of the wedge blocks 72 or 74 are one piece and comprise apair of spaced wedge elements 80 and 82 with respect to the upperwedging blocks 72 and 84 and 86 with respect to the lower wedging blocks74. The wedging surfaces on each upper block 80 and 82 are upwardlyinclining while the lower wedging surfaces on each lower block 84 and 86are downwardly inclining. A space 88 between each adjacent wedging block80, 82 and 84, 86 is provided for reception of a tie rod 90 which willbe discussed hereinafter. Planer surfaces 92 and 94 (FIG. 4) areprovided Tie rod or bar 90 is elongated having a lower wedging drawblock 96 (FIG. 8) affixed thereto by any conventional means such as ascrew 98. The lower wedging draw block 96 has upwardly directedgenerally V- shaped wedging surfaces 100 which are adapted to receivethe four lower wedging indexes 84 and 86 of each respective lowerwedging block '74. Affixed to the upper extremity of tie bar 90 by meansof an elongated screw member 102 is the upper wedging draw block I104.Tie rod 90 may be conveniently fabricated from a piece of metallictubing tacked at one extremity as indi cated at 106 and the elongatedscrew member I102 screwed directly therein. This screw member or bolt102 passes through aperture 108 in the upper draw. block 104 and thebolt head 110 shoulders within the.

suitable recess therein which will be apparent from FIGS. 8 and 9. Acompression spring I 12 is provided to prevent upper wedging block 104from sliding down on bolt I02 and to assist in assembly and disassemblyof the joint.

The upper draw block I04 is provided with generally V-shaped wedgingsurfaces 114 which are adapted to receive the upper wedging surfaces 80,82 of the upper wedging blocks 72. When it is desired to interlock twoadjacent respective core frames such as frames 20a and 20b, they arepositioned into abutment as illustrated on FIG. 8 with the interlockassembly 70 positioned be tween them such that the upper draw block 102is above wedging blocks '72 and the lower draw block .96 is below thelower wedging blocks '74. The screw 102 is then rotated in such adirection as to cause draw blocks 96 and 102 to converge tightlytogether joining the two core frames as a single unit. Each side, ofcourse, must I be so manipulated, i.e. vertical frame elements 42a, 40bin addition to 36a, 34b are also joined together and in the same fashioncor'e modules 20b and 200 can likewise be attached together.

It should be noted at this point that the exposed ends of eachinstallation are covered by an additional mating vertical channel member60a or 60b. Referring specifically to FIG. 7, channel member 60b isattached to vertical member 34a and an interlock assembly 70 asdescribed previously with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 joins a complimentarychannel member 60a. Member 60a in 1 turn can be mechanically connectedto end panel 22. As will be appreciated hereinafter, this end attachmentalso provides the necessary latching, which mechanism descriptionfollows. Although not clarified in FIG. l,

the outer end of module 12 and 16 is arranged in accor dance with theforegoing.

Each interlocked frame configuration provides a slot 116 (FIG. 7) formedby the converging flanges 66. This slot is formed to each lateral sideas shown in FIG. This slot 116 provides a means of access to the tch'bracket 120. Referring specifically to FIG. 10, a tch bracket l20'andcooperating clip 122 will be described briefly. The bracket ispositioned within channular, recess 65 and can be affixed by anyconventional. 7

means such as screws 62. The bracket I120 has a for ward incline surfaceor hanger strip 124 and a rear incline surface 126. These surfacesinitiate longitudinally adjacent the interior bases of flanges 66 andconverge toward one another away from the edge of the vertical frames asshown in FIG. 9. The latch bracket 1120 may I possibly beinterfabricated from steel or the like by conventional rolling methods.

Each of the surfaces 124 and 126 are provided with a plurality ofaligned slots 130. Thus forwardly inclined surfaces 124 has slots 130punched therein as do rearwardly inclined surfaces 126. The resultingconfiguration provides two generally box-like beams extending verticallywithin each of the channular recesses 65, each of the beams having asloped exterior surface as viewed from the front of the panel. Each ofthe slots are in alignment with respect to the outwardly and inwardlyinclined surfaces 124 and 126 so that accessory or module componentsupporting clips 122 (FIG. can be inserted into adjacent juxtaposedslots in the hanger strips at a common level for independent support ofmodule components at a common level.

The retainer clip 122 adapted for utilization in conjunction with hangerbracket 120 has an accessory restraining section 132 with an accessoryhook or nitch 134 formed therein. The accessory restraining section 132is integrally connected by means of a curved shank section 136 to a pairof engaging hooks 138 and 140. The hooks are inserted at any desiredheight, as shown in FIG. 10 and appropriate laboratory components can besuspended thereby.

Although, the operation and construction of the interlock and latchassembly 70 should be obvious from the foregoing, a more detaileddescription and understanding may be achieved from applicants earlierinvention entitled STRUCTURAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SHELVING, issued June30, 1970 as US. Pat. No. 3,517,467. This patent is incorporated byreference herein.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 11-13, FIG. 11 illustrates a rail150 which in turn is secured to the vertical posts of the core frameassembly such as frame 20a in a fashion similar to that previouslydescribed. A modified hanger clip 152 is utilized for securing rail 150to the vertical columns formed from the core frames. In FIG. 11, one ofthe interlock and latch assemblies 70 is shown in exposed fashion withthe slots 130 along one of the rearwardly inclined surfaces 126. Clip152 is similar in principle to clip 122 described previously except thatit is longer and has three engaging hooks 153. It also includes an opennitch 154 and closed nitch 156 essentially similar to a key hole slotfor receipt of headed studs 158 and 160 on each end of rail 150. Theopposite end of rail 150 has a similar clip 152a and likewiseconfigurated assemblies to permit insertion and removal of rail 150 fromthe core frame assembly. Rail 150 includes a curved front face 162extending upwardly to a lip 164 which runs along the length of rail 150at the top front edge thereof.

With the rail 150 latched firmly through hanger clips 152, 152a to thecore module, a drawer supporting structure such as that identified byreference numeral 170 (FIG. 12) can be easily and quickly removablysuspended from rail 150. Structure 170 preferably includes a pair ofspaced sides 172 and 174, the latter not being shown. A hanger 176projects rearwardly and downwardly from back 178 such that it can beslipped over lip 164 of rail 150. Projecting rearwardly from the base ofdrawer supporting structure 170 are a pair of feet 180 the purpose ofwhich is to abut the paneling or vertical column 182.

The drawer supporting structure 170 is designed to support the drawer orshelf or it may be provided with 6 a flipper door and cover, all ofwhich are conventional within the art.

A more detailed description of the hanger rail 150 and related hardwarecan be obtained from applicants prior US. Pat. No. 3,712,698 entitledSTRUCTURAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR DRAWERS AND THE LIKE issued Jan. 23, 1973,which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring back to FIG. 1, each of the central core modules 20a, 20b and200 each comprise a lower en closed portion 180a, 18% and 1800 and anupper exposed portion 182a, 1821) and 1820. The lower enclosed portionssuch as 1800 are fully enclosed by front and rear panels 184a and 1860,the latter being shown in FIG. 7. The ends are enclosed either by theadjacent core module such as 2017 or the longitudinally extending endpanel 22.

Front and rear panels 184a and 186a are quickly detachable as will beexplained hereinafter. Preferably, the front and rear enclosure of eachcore module includes a permanent panel of relatively narrow height. FIG.1 illustrates the front permanent panel 188a and 1880 on modules 12 and16. Module 14 as a tack board 190 positioned in front of its respectivefront permanent panel portion 18817. The permanent panel portion 188generally include accessory outlets such as electrical plug outlets 192illustrated in FIG. 1 or fluid outlets 194 illustrated on panel 1880 ofmodule 16. One of the advantages of the enclosed portions a, 180b and1806 is the aesthetic enclosure of the plumbing and conduits etc. forthe various electrical and fluid outlets.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the lower horizontal tubular framemembers 32a and 430 include an L shaped channel member 200 welded orotherwise affixed to the upper surface 202 of tubular member 32a (FIG.6) at its approximate midpoint. The vertical leg 204 acts as a stop andindex for the detachable panels such as panel 184a. The panel includes aclip 206 at each lower corner secured thereto by fasteners 208 or thelike, the clip having a protruding lip 210 which fits over the verticalupstanding leg 204 of channel member 200. This not only indexes thebottom of each panel such as panel 186a illustrated in FIG. 7, but alsosecures it to the bracket 200. A second latch 212 (FIG. 7) is providedon the vertical frame elements such as 34a and 40a against which thedetachable panels abut for alignment and a threaded fastener or the like(not shown) is utilized to secure the panel firmly to each respectivecore frame.

The upper or top portion of each lower portion 180a, 18% and 1806' ispreferably enclosed by a top panel 216a, 216b and 2160. These panelsprovide a work surface and shelving area and can be seated or attachedto the cross-support50 (FIG. 13). In addition, fluid accessory outletssuch as those illustrated by reference numerals 218 and 220 can bemounted in the tops such as top 216a (FIG. 1) which also includes adrain 222. Again, all of the plumbing and other related accessories iscompletely enclosed within the lower portion 180a while at the sametime, the removable panels permit quick access to the interior forrepair of alteration. It is also noted that electrical outlets or otheraccessory fixtures can be located at the transition of each adjacentmodule 20a, 20b and 200 as illustrated by electrical outlet accessories224 in FIG. 1.

Referring yet to FIG. 1, the upper exposed portions 182a, 1821) and 1820provide an open access area to working on the upper tops 216 and includethe upper portion of each vertical frame secured together with interlockand latch assembly 70 in both the forwardly facing and rearwardly facingdirections as described previously. This permits anchoring of variouslaboratory components such the drawer supporting structures 170a and170C illustrated in FIG. 1. As described previously with respect toFIGS. l1l3, the drawer supporting structures 170 can be convenientlyarranged in various positions illustrated in the drawings. Turningbriefly to FIG. 13, it will be appreciated that with the utilization ofrail 150, the drawer supporting structure 170 can be cantilevered fromthe front sub-frame 26a as illustrated in FIG. 1 with respect to drawersupporting structure 170a or can be recessed and cantilevered from therear sub-frame 28a for slight extension beyond sub-frame 26a asillustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, a drawer supporting structure such as 170,1700 or 1700 can be cantilevered to the upper frame portions of eachmodule from within the rear sub-frame with respect to the direction ofuse or from the front sub-frame.

Referring to FIG. I again, it will be appreciated that a variety oflaboratory components such as table top 230a, 230i; and 230C can besecured at various heights and further drawer module 232a or amodification thereof as illustrated by 234b can be suspended beneath.Appropriate brackets such as illustrated at 2366 can be utilized withclip means interlocking with the latch assembly '70 describedpreviously. Where desired, as indicated previously, a tack board oraccessory panel 190 can also be utilized. The flexibility and type oflaboratory modules desired of course is in essence unlimited as is theirpositioning.

In summary then, a completely flexible modular system can be arrangedand rearranged with minimum effort. Each unique system or installationcan be designed and installed utilizing essentially standardizedcomponents and hardware. Thus, from the cost standpoint alonesignificant savings are realized over the prior art.

Although but one embodiment has been shown and described in detail, itwill be obvious to those having ordinary skill in this art that thedetails of construction of this particular embodiment may be modified ina great many ways without departing from the unique concepts presented.It is therefore intended that the invention is limited only by the scopeof the appended claims rather than by particular details of constructionshown, except as specifically stated in the claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are'defined as follows:

1. A laboratory module system having fluid and electrical accessoriesand outlets incorporated therewith comprising, in combination: a freestanding central frame comprised of at least one pair of first andsecond rectangular sub-frames interconnected to each other in spacedrelationship, each of said sub-frames having horizontal top and bottomtube-like members connected to vertical end tube-like members, one ormore of said vertical members including latch means extending verticallythe length thereof, said central frame having a lower enclosed portionand an upper exposed portion, said lower enclosed portion havingvertical panel means and a horizontal shelf at the transition of saidupper and lower portions, said shelf extending between said subframes,the fluid and electrical accessories and outlets being enclosed withinsaid lower portion and having outlet means through at least one of saidpanel means or shelf. said vertical panel means having portions thereofdetachable from said central frame permitting access to the interior ofsaid lower portion of said central frame, and at least one laboratorycomponents detachably latched to said latch means.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said latch meansincludes interlock means for detachably joining at least two of saidcentral frames together end-toend.

3. The combination according to claim 2 wherein one end of said systemis free standing and includes an end wall connected thereto by saidinterlock means, said end wall partition means extends laterally to eachside of said module to provide additional free standing support for saidsystem.

4. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said latch means extendsalong each lateral face of said vertical member and includes accessmeans for receipt of clip means to detachably anchor said laboratory.

components to said latch means.

5. The combination according to claim 4 wherein I said latch meanscomprises a pair of inwardly facing a channel members securedrespectively to adjacent vertical members forming an access opening toeach lateral side of said adjacent vertical members, and means definingaligned slots generally along each edge of said channel members forreceipt of engagement latches extending from said clip means throughsaid access openings, said aligned slots being spaced vertically topermit latching of said clip means at selected vertical heights.

6. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said latch meansincludes a hanger bar connectable between spaced vertical frame membersfor cantilever support of at least one of said laboratory components,

said components having hanger means fitting over said bar.

7. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said latch means extendsalong each lateral face of said vertical members, and said laboratorycomponent extends laterally a distance greater than the spacing of saidsub-frames, said component being cantilever supported by said latchmeans from either sub-frame in either lateral direction. I

8. The combination according to claim 1 wherein.

said vertical panel means includes an upper portion extending the widthof each central frame and affixed to said frame, and a lower portion,said lower portion comprising said detachable portion.

9. The combination according to claim 8 wherein said bottom tube-likemembers include an upstanding flange means and said detachable portionsof said verti'- 12.. A laboratory module system having fluid andelectrical accessories and outlets incorporated therewith comprising, incombination: a plurality of free standing central frame modules eachjoined together 9 end-toie nd, eachmodule comprising a rectangularboxlike frame structure of-horizontal top and bottom tubelike membersconnected to vertical end tube-like members, said vertical membersincluding latch means extending vertically the length thereof, each ofsaid structures having a lower enclosed portion and an upper exposedportion, said lower enclosed portion having vertical enclosing panelsand a horizontal enclosing top panel at the transition of said upper andlower portions, the fluid and electrical accessories and outlets beingenclosed within said lower portions and having outlet means through atleast one of said panels, said vertical panels having portions thereofdetachable from said structures permitting access to the interior ofsaid lower portion of said structures and at least one laboratorycomponents detachably latched to said latch means.

13. The module system according to claim 12 wherein said system extendslongitudinally and access to said latch means extends laterally fromeach side of said vertical members such that said laboratory componentscan be supported from either side of said system.

14. The module system according to claim 13 wherein said upper exposedportions comprises laterally spaced vertical members and said laboratorycomponents are supportable by said vertical members from either side ineither lateral direction.

15. The combination according to claim 12 wherein at least one end ofsaid system is free standing and includes an end wall partition attachedthereto and extending laterally to each side of said system to provideadditional free standing support therefore.

1. A laboratory module system having fluid and electrical accessoriesand outlets incorporated therewith comprising, in combination: a freestanding central frame comprised of at least one pair of first andsecond rectangular sub-frames interconnected to each other in spacedrelationship, each of said sub-frames having horizontal top and bottomtube-like members connected to vertical end tube-like members, one ormore of said vertical members including latch means extending verticallythe length thereof, said central frame having a lower enclosed portionand an upper exposed portion, said lower enclosed portion havingvertical panel means and a horizontal shelf at the transition of saidupper and lower portions, said shelf extending between said sub-frames,the fluid and electrical accessories and outlets being enclosed withinsaid lower portion and having outlet means through at least one of saidpanel means or shelf, said vertical panel means having portions thereofdetachable from said central frame permitting access to the interior ofsaid lower portion of said central frame, and at least one laboratorycomponents detachably latched to said latch means.
 2. The combinationaccording to claim 1 wherein said latch means includes interlock meansfor detachably joining at least two of said central frames togetherend-to-end.
 3. The combination according to claim 2 wherein one end ofsaid system is free standing and includes an end wall connected theretoby said interlock means, said end wall partition means extends laterallyto each side of said module to provide additional free standing supportfor said system.
 4. The combination according to claim 1 wherein saidlatch means extends along each lateral face of said vertical member andincludes access means for receipt of clip means to detachably anchorsaid laboratory components to said latch means.
 5. The combinationaccording to claim 4 wherein said latch means comprises a pair ofinwardly facing channel members secured respectively to adjacentvertical members forming an access opening to each lateral side of saidadjacent vertical members, and means defining aligned slots generallyalong each edge of said channel members for receipt of engagementlatches extending from said clip means through said access openings,said aligned slots being spaced vertically to permit latching of saidclip means at selected vertical heights.
 6. The combination according toclaim 4 wherein said latch means includes a hanger bar connectablebetween spaced vertical frame members for cantilever support of at leastone of said laboratory components, said components havIng hanger meansfitting over said bar.
 7. The combination according to claim 1 whereinsaid latch means extends along each lateral face of said verticalmembers, and said laboratory component extends laterally a distancegreater than the spacing of said sub-frames, said component beingcantilever supported by said latch means from either sub-frame in eitherlateral direction.
 8. The combination according to claim 1 wherein saidvertical panel means includes an upper portion extending the width ofeach central frame and affixed to said frame, and a lower portion, saidlower portion comprising said detachable portion.
 9. The combinationaccording to claim 8 wherein said bottom tube-like members include anupstanding flange means and said detachable portions of said verticalpanel means are seated on the upper surface of said bottom members andindexed against said flange means.
 10. The combination according toclaim 9 wherein said detachable vertical panel means includes a firstlatch portion engageable with said flange means and a second latchportion engageable with said vertical sub-frame members.
 11. Thecombination according to claim 1 wherein said sub-frames are joinedtogether by cross members, said shelf being positioned on and connectedto at least one of said cross members.
 12. A laboratory module systemhaving fluid and electrical accessories and outlets incorporatedtherewith comprising, in combination: a plurality of free standingcentral frame modules each joined together end-to-end, each modulecomprising a rectangular box-like frame structure of horizontal top andbottom tube-like members connected to vertical end tube-like members,said vertical members including latch means extending vertically thelength thereof, each of said structures having a lower enclosed portionand an upper exposed portion, said lower enclosed portion havingvertical enclosing panels and a horizontal enclosing top panel at thetransition of said upper and lower portions, the fluid and electricalaccessories and outlets being enclosed within said lower portions andhaving outlet means through at least one of said panels, said verticalpanels having portions thereof detachable from said structurespermitting access to the interior of said lower portion of saidstructures and at least one laboratory components detachably latched tosaid latch means.
 13. The module system according to claim 12 whereinsaid system extends longitudinally and access to said latch meansextends laterally from each side of said vertical members such that saidlaboratory components can be supported from either side of said system.14. The module system according to claim 13 wherein said upper exposedportions comprises laterally spaced vertical members and said laboratorycomponents are supportable by said vertical members from either side ineither lateral direction.
 15. The combination according to claim 12wherein at least one end of said system is free standing and includes anend wall partition attached thereto and extending laterally to each sideof said system to provide additional free standing support therefore.